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Hear from staff and students how a Masters pre-sessional helps you adapt to study and life in the UK.
In summer, our Masters pre-sessional courses are tailored to your subject area.
With our summer courses, you’ll be able to:
- study course content developed by teaching staff from the Language Centre and from your academic department
- learn the academic English you’ll need specifically for your degree
- get to know other postgraduate students studying your discipline and build a community of peers
- become familiar with University facilities such as libraries, study spaces and learning platforms, and settle into life in Leeds.
Find the right course for you
To find the right pre-sessional for your degree go to your Masters course page and select the 6 or 10 week pre-sessional course in the ‘Applying’ section, under ‘Improve your English’, or browse the following lists of summer pre-sessional courses.
Summer courses in 2024
6 week courses
- Language for Arts and Humanities
- Language for Business Management and Enterprise
- Language for Civil Engineering
- Language for Communication and Society
- Language for Economics and Finance
- Language for Education
- Language for Engineering
- Language for Human Resource Management
- Language for Law
- Language for Marketing
- Language for Politics and Society
- Language for Science
You could also study a pre-sessional online – find out more about our Online Academic English pre-sessional 6 week course.
10 week courses
- Language for Arts and Humanities
- Language for Business Management and Enterprise
- Language for Civil Engineering
- Language for Communication and Society
- Language for Economics and Finance
- Language for Education
- Language for Engineering
- Language for Human Resource Management
- Language for Law
- Language for Marketing
- Language for Politics and Society
- Language for Science
Frequently asked questions
Which English language certificates do you accept?
We accept a range of English language certificates for entry to our pre-sessional courses. Find out more about which English language certificates we accept.
Please carefully consider which test you take, as it may affect the type of visa you are eligible to apply for. The Language Centre normally recommends a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Read more about visas.
Can I combine scores from more than one English language test to meet the pre-sessional entry requirements?
No, the entry requirements must be met through your most recent English language qualification, or via your most recent IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test and One Skill Retake.
Do I need to retake an English language qualification following the pre-sessional?
No, you won’t need to retake another English language test if you successfully complete the pre-sessional.
Can I submit an application without an English language qualification?
Yes, you can submit an application without an English language qualification, but you’ll need to provide an eligible qualification before the relevant deadline.
How long will the results of the pre-sessional course be valid for?
Our pre-sessional course result is valid for two years from the date of completion.
Please be aware that English language requirements for our courses are subject to a yearly review, and you may be asked to provide further English language qualifications to meet the requirements of your degree course.
How do I apply?
If you know which course you want to apply for, you can apply via the application portal.
To find out which course you need and to apply, use the information on this page to find the right course option for you. Select your preferred course to see course information, fees and to apply.
My degree course offer is unconditional. Can I apply for this pre-sessional course?
Yes, you can study a pre-sessional course even if you meet the English language requirements of your degree. A pre-sessional course will help you develop your skills, get used to academic study in the UK, and settle into Leeds.
Can I change from the 10 to the 6 week pre-sessional if I provide a new English language qualification?
Yes, if your new English language qualification meets the entry requirements for the six week course and there are places on the course. You’ll need to meet the deadlines for both courses.
Can I study the longer 10 week pre-sessional even if I am eligible for the 6 week course?
Yes, if you feel you would benefit from studying a longer duration course, you can study the 10 week course.
When will I receive a response to my application?
During peak times, it may take us longer to respond to your application. We'll review your pre-sessional English application after you've received a decision on your Masters application.
I’m applying for a 10 week on-campus pre-sessional course. What type of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will I receive, and when will I receive it?
The type of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) you will receive depends on whether you have met the academic conditions of your Masters offer and whether you hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
We will issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all necessary data (eg passport details). You also need to pay your tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate evidence of full funding. You do not need to contact us to request a CAS.
Types of CAS
I have met the academic conditions of my Masters course
You’ll receive a combined CAS that includes your pre-sessional English and your Masters course.
I haven’t met the academic conditions of my Masters course yet and I hold a SELT
You’ll receive a pre-sessional only CAS. If you meet your academic conditions by 2 June 2024, you can request a combined CAS via the application portal.
I haven't met the academic conditions of my Masters course yet and don’t hold a SELT
Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor you for a pre-sessional on a Student visa and issue a CAS.
In this case, you can either:
- Provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR B2 level, taken in the last two years of the course start date.
- Retake an approved English language test, preferably a SELT.
- Upload your academic documents via the applicant portal by 2 June 2024 to meet the condition of your Masters offer.
- If you already have an alternative visa, provide us with a copy of it.
Depending on which of the previous options you choose we can then advise you on the offer and the type of CAS you will receive.
When you’ll receive your CAS
We will issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all necessary data (eg passport details). You also need to pay your tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate evidence of full funding. You do not need to contact us to request a CAS.
I’m applying for a 6 week on-campus pre-sessional course, what type of CAS will I receive and when will I receive it?
The type of CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) you will receive depends on whether you have met the academic conditions of your Masters offer and whether you hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Types of CAS
I have met the academic conditions of my Masters course
You’ll receive a combined CAS that includes your pre-sessional English and your Masters course.
I haven’t met the academic conditions of my Masters course yet
If you meet the academic conditions of your Masters offer by 7 July 2024, you’ll receive a combined CAS.
I can’t meet the academic conditions of my Masters offer by 7 July 2024
You’ll need to provide a valid Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate and request a pre-sessional-only CAS via the application portal by 3 July 2024.
Please note that once you request a CAS for your pre-sessional English course only, you won’t be able to request a combined CAS for your pre-sessional and Masters courses even if you meet your academic condition by the deadline.
When you’ll receive your CAS
We will issue your CAS as soon as we can after you have supplied all necessary data (eg passport details). You also need to pay your tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate evidence of full funding. You do not need to contact us to request a CAS.
I’m applying for the online 6 week pre-sessional course. What type of CAS will I receive, and when will I receive it?
You will receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for your degree programme after successful completion of your pre-sessional course is confirmed. This will be after the end date of your pre-sessional course. You won’t receive a CAS for the pre-sessional course.
Do I need to pay a tuition fee deposit?
On-campus courses
You’ll need to pay a tuition fee deposit to get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) if you require a Student visa, unless you’re able to provide a final award letter confirming that you’re receiving full funding from a sponsor or scholarship.
If you don’t need a CAS, you aren’t required to pay a tuition fee deposit, but you will need to provide evidence of your current visa or immigration status which will be requested at the appropriate time.
Read more about paying tuition fee deposits
Online 6 week course
You don’t need to pay a tuition fee deposit for your online pre-sessional course.
Can I defer my summer pre-sessional course?
If you hold an offer to join us in summer 2024, you cannot request a deferral of your offer, however, you can re-apply via your applicant portal for another start date.
Can I start the on-campus summer course online if my visa application is delayed?
No, there will be no option to start online for the on-campus course. If you cannot arrive in time for the on-campus pre-sessional you should email the Language Centre via langc@leeds.ac.uk
Academic year courses
If you want to study during the academic year, we offer Masters pre-sessional courses starting in September/October or January. Visit our academic year courses page for more information.
Contact us
If you have any further questions, please email the Language Centre via langc@leeds.ac.uk.